Snapping at the Lateral Aspect of the Elbow

Abstract

Snapping elbow is a phenomenon that often coincides with pain and limited function. Accurate diagnosis is critical because misdiagnosis has been demonstrated to have serious consequences, including the need for repeat surgery.

Technical Note: Arthroscopic Resection of Snapping, Interponating Annular Ligament of the Elbow

“…Most of the surgical interventions were performed arthroscopically, also with the advantage of clarifying other intra-articular pathologies. Overall, the outcome results are good to excellent, although the authors critically note that no standardized outcome measures were used 3 , 4 , 8 , 10 . In particular, no functional scores were evaluated that included not only pain but also limited range of motion, the other main symptom.…”

“…In particular, no functional scores were evaluated that included not only pain but also limited range of motion, the other main symptom. Some studies reported residual symptoms of pain and persistent mechanical irritation (approximately 9.3%) 3 , 10 . The studies do not provide a detailed rationale for this phenomenon, but it is postulated that primarily the associated chondromalacia of the radial head may be the cause of persistent symptoms 1 , 10 .…”

“…In patients with snapping elbow, various pathologies involving the lateral capsule synovial sleeve complex should be considered 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . A synovial plica or interposing parts of the annular ligament may cause pain by entrapment within the humeroradial joint.…”